How to Landscape in Front of a Bi-Level House

Place a mid-size tree -- either deciduous or evergreen -- at one front corner of the house to anchor the house to the landscaping. It is common to place this tree at the corner on the side of the front door. Make sure that the tree you select will not grow so large that it covers the roof area. This tree should grow to a size approximately equal to the point where the roof begins. Position the tree far enough away from the house so that the branches do not encroach on the siding or the roof.

Plant a conical shrub to the left or right of the front door -- the same side as the mid-size tree. The height of this shrub will connect the upper and lower story windows.

Add a mid-size shrub or bush between each set of first-story windows and short, round shrubs or bushes beneath each first-story window. Often these first-story windows on a bi-level house are not the windows you wish to display prominently. By placing a taller shrub between and short shrubs beneath the lower windows, you minimize them and draw the eye upward to larger upper-story windows.

Plant another mid-size tree at the other front corner on the other side of the garage. For the most visual appeal, make this tree a different shape and variety than the first mid-size tree. For example, use one deciduous tree and one evergreen tree.

Add flowering perennial plants in front of or between the shrubs to give the landscaping color and seasonal interest. Make sure the perennial plants you select will have a mature height that is shorter than the shrubs.

Install a lamppost to the right or left of the driveway in front of the house. The lamppost adds height and visual impact with its light.

Place a series of ground-level landscape lights along the front of the house or the walkway, or line the driveway with the landscape lights.